Understanding USB-C Power Delivery with Satechi Products

What Is USB-C Power Delivery?

Power Delivery (or PD) is a standard that allows USB-C cables and connectors to deliver significant power. Instead of needing a separate charging cable for your laptop, you can charge through the same hub or dock that connects your displays and peripherals. This simplifies your desk setup.

Wattage Explained

Power Delivery is measured in watts (W). Higher wattage charges your device faster.

• 30W: Charges phones and small tablets quickly.
• 60W: Good for smaller laptops like 13-inch MacBook Air.
• 96W: Charges 16-inch MacBook Pro and larger laptops.
• 140W: Premium option for the largest laptops and fastest charging.

Check your laptop's charger to find its power requirement. It's usually printed on the cable brick. Match or exceed that wattage for the fastest charge.

Pass-Through Charging

Pass-through charging means your dock or hub can charge your laptop while also powering other connected devices. Look for docks with "pass-through PD" or "pass-through charging" in the specs. This is standard on all Satechi docks.

Why Your Laptop May Charge Slower Through a Hub

If you're charging your laptop at 96W but also charging a phone or tablet through the same hub, power is shared. Your dock might deliver 70W to the laptop and 20W to the phone. The laptop charges slower.

Solution: Use a higher-wattage dock (like 140W) if you regularly charge multiple devices simultaneously. Or charge your phone and tablet separately.

Cable Quality Matters

Not all USB-C cables are created equal. A cheap or damaged cable may not deliver the full wattage. If your laptop charges slowly, try a different USB-C cable. Satechi cables are tested for full power delivery.

Signs of a bad cable: frayed, bent connector, or visible damage. Replace it. A good cable lasts years.

Checking Power Delivery Status (Mac)

Hold Option key and click the battery icon in the top-right corner. You'll see "Power Source: USB-C Power." This confirms your Mac is charging through USB-C.

If it says "Not Charging" or you see an issue, the dock may not be delivering power. Try unplugging and replugging the dock cable. If the problem persists, contact support@satechi.com.

Checking Power Delivery Status (Windows)

Go to Settings > System > Power & Battery. Check "Power mode" and look for charging details. It should say your device is charging from the USB-C connection.

Quick Tips

• A Satechi dock with 96W or higher will charge most laptops at full speed.
• Use the included cable. Third-party cables may not deliver full power.
• If you charge multiple devices, get a higher-wattage dock to avoid slowdowns.
• Keep your dock plugged into a grounded outlet for the fastest, safest charging.

Still need help? Contact us at support@satechi.com

Related Articles

• Troubleshooting power issues on iPhone, iPad, and Mac through Satechi products
• How does pass-through charging work with Satechi hubs and docks?
• Why is my device charging slowly or not at all through a Satechi hub?